Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

connections between these stations. The Council supports this as it wouldhave the additional benefit of providing improved links between existingcommunities at Northfleet and the new communities at Ebbsfleet. It wouldalso enhance the Ebbsfleet transport hub.5.5.13 Opportunities will be taken to improve walking and cycling facilities andnetworks throughout the Borough. These should aim to provide access to theGravesend town centre and Ebbsfleet transport hubs and to other facilitiessuch as local centres, parks and schools. Where appropriate, developmentswill be expected to make appropriate provision towards these.Bus, Train and Coach Transport5.5.14 There is a frequent and extensive bus network serving the urban area.The developing Fastrack Bus Rapid Transport System forms part of this. Itprovides a high quality attractive public transport linking Gravesend towncentre with Ebbsfleet, Bluewater, Darent Valley Hospital and Dartford. Thebus service in the rural area is less extensive though there are regularservices along the A226 towards the Medway Towns and the A227 towardsBorough Green and Sevenoaks. Limited development in the rural area isunlikely to provide a catalyst for improved bus services serving this part of theBorough.5.5.15 The Council seeks to facilitate and encourage further use of publictransport. Therefore it will work with Kent County Council, other partners andtransport operators to enhance the bus network. This will include maintainingsegregation lanes and bus priority measures for Fastrack and other busservices. The Council will also require developers of the key sites to providelinks to the bus network, including the provision of routes through the siteswhere appropriate. The requirements are outlined in the Opportunity Areapolicies.5.5.16 There are good train links to London from five stations on twotraditional lines in the Borough. Services from Gravesend have recently beenimproved by the introduction of high speed train services which use the high145